Fitness + Technology

Bryan O'Rourke: Fitness Industry Technology Council
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Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You'll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brought to you by the Fitness Industry Technology Council, who is mobilizing resources to drive the fitness industry forward, and representing leading companies and organizations to success through collaboration. This show is supported by Vedere Ventures, a boutique investment and advisory firm helping early mature and late stage enterprises succeed in a new era.

  1. 2d ago

    The Business Of Fitness: Building What Lasts With Yves Preissler

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Yves Preissler to the show. Yves is the Founder and CEO of YP Business Consulting, a globally active, privately owned advisory firm specializing in final-decision advisory and concept architecture for the fitness, wellness, recovery, sport, and hospitality industries. With over 20 years of international experience and more than 150 projects delivered across four continents, including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, YP works with boards, investors, developers, and operators at the earliest and most critical stages of decision-making, from concept validation through to full execution and performance. A member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), a contributing author to Beyond Reps, and founder of AFROFIT, Yves brings a rare combination of strategic rigor, regional expertise, and operational clarity to every engagement. Today, he joins Bryan to share his perspective, and some genuinely candid views, on user experience, operational excellence, and what it takes to build fitness and wellness businesses that truly last. Check out FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 One Powerful Quote: 8:11: "All are attractive ideas, but not every idea is a strong business." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:33: Yves shares his journey from Europe to building fitness and wellness businesses across the Middle East and Africa, including founding AFROFIT. 6:55: Yves outlines the core principles he believes every fitness and wellness operator should be prioritizing in today's market. 9:30: Yves explains why human connection is the most critical driver of user experience and retention. 11:11: Bryan and Yves discuss what operational excellence truly requires in practice and why long-term viability demands the discipline to focus, not just build. 15:43: Yves shares where technology genuinely adds value in fitness and wellness operations and where operators risk mistaking complexity for progress. 22:37: Yves delivers his final advice on what will separate enduring businesses from those that don't last. Bullet List of Resources: https://yvespreissler.com/ https://afrofit.life/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvespreissler/ https://x.com/ypreissler https://substack.com/@yvespreissler?utm_source=global-search yves@yvespreissler.com https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    28 min

  2. May 12

    A Respectful Disagreement on AI & Its Hype Cycle — LIVE from FIBO 2026 With Bryan O'Rourke, Pablo Viñaspre, & Marcin Obel

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his panel discussion from FIBO's Future Forum, "A Respectful Disagreement on AI & Its Hype Cycle." Moderated by Hans Muench, Bryan is joined by Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI and Marcin Obel of Qodeca for an honest conversation about what's working in AI, what's falling short, and what fitness operators should actually be paying attention to. Listeners will gain practical insights, candid perspectives, and a discussion that moves beyond the buzzwords surrounding artificial intelligence. If you're evaluating how AI fits into your business strategy, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Check out FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 One Powerful Quote: 45:10: "Most businesses don't have a strategy. They have a plan, and if you don't think of it in that context, you're never going to be able to benefit from the enablement of technology." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:41: Bryan and Marcin discuss the hype cycle surrounding the AI boom. 7:57: Pablo explains how AI can deliver genuine, measurable value for operators. 9:04: Marcin examines whether the challenge lies in the technology itself or in the expectations created by vendors and the media. 12:22: The panel discusses the evolution of language learning models and artificial general intelligence, including their potential as long-term investments and the question of credibility. 16:44: Pablo addresses plateaued product life cycles and how companies can continue building meaningful AI-driven growth strategies. 18:05: The panel agrees that the greatest barriers to AI adoption are people and organizational change management and not the technology itself. 24:29: The discussion explores where AI is genuinely improving fitness operations and member experiences and where it is being oversold or misapplied. 31:05: The panel debates whether mass personalization leads to better outcomes or simply higher engagement. 33:35: The conversation turns to accountability, governance, and risk management for operators and vendors implementing embedded AI technologies. 38:08: The panel discusses what minimum government standards for AI in the fitness industry could look like. 39:55: The speakers outline practical steps operators should be taking today to prepare their businesses for AI adoption. 45:50: The panel shares closing thoughts on the realities and the risks of overhyped AI. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.fibo.com/ https://fitness-kpi.com/ https://www.qodeca.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.hans-muench.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-muench-653346a/ https://x.com/Lazarusmunich https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/ https://x.com/PabloVinaspre https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcinobel/ https://x.com/marcinobel https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    48 min

  3. May 5

    Reimagining In-Club Experiences Through Technology With Tracey Spain Estes

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Tracey Spain Estes, Senior Account Manager at LG Electronics. Tracey brings more than 20 years of experience in the health, wellness, and fitness industry, with a proven track record in strategic account leadership and sales performance. Her background includes leadership roles with Life Fitness and the YMCA, where she developed deep expertise in strategic development, sales operations, marketing strategy, and fitness training. With a strong focus on technology in the fitness industry, Tracey joins Bryan to explore the evolving role of screens in creating immersive fitness experiences and what this shift means for operators, members, and the future of connected fitness. Checkout FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 One Powerful Quote: 18:14: "Digital technology if designed properly and placed appropriately supports, emphasizes, and encourages that experience with the human." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:23: Bryan invites Tracey to share her professional background. 5:13: Tracey discusses LG Electronics as a consumer brand with a growing B2B vertical focus. 6:29: Tracey highlights what has surprised her most about the fitness industry. 8:08: Tracey addresses common pain points related to in-club screen displays and physical environments. 10:38: Tracey expands on screen applications beyond personalization. 13:54: Tracey shares her perspective on the future of immersive, in-club experiences. 19:07: Tracey offers advice for club owners on enhancing the member experience. 21:59: Tracey reflects on key learnings from other industry sectors. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.lg.com/us/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-spain-estes-b031b018/ https://x.com/TSpainEstes https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    26 min

  4. Apr 7

    Inside FIBO: The World's Largest Health, Fitness, & Wellness Exhibition With Florian Brauer

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Florian Brauer, Senior Global Brand Manager for FIBO—the world's largest exhibition platform for health, fitness, and wellness. Florian oversees FIBO's global brand strategy, shaping its international identity and managing a growing portfolio of regional events, including FIBO Arabia. He also cultivates partnerships with industry organizations, federations, and thought leaders worldwide. As a central figure behind one of the industry's most influential gatherings, Florian plays a key role in bringing together leading commercial and educational programming each year in Cologne. Today, Florian joins Bryan to share insights into FIBO's evolution, its global expansion, and what to expect from their upcoming event. FIT-C Innovation Outlook Panel: Explore the session details here: https://www.fibo.com/germany/en-gb/show-programme/Programme-Details.4776.260915.en--what's-coming-what's-missing-what's-next-the-fit_c-innovation-outlook.html Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/newsletter One Powerful Quote: 15:47: "I kindof have the feeling that there is a movement that's just starting." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:56: Bryan opens the conversation by exploring Florian's background and the growth of FIBO. 6:20: Florian discusses the significant evolution of FIBO's format and exhibition style. 8:07: Florian shares insights on FIBO's expansion into the Middle East and what that market represents for the industry. 12:02: Florian highlights FIBO's Future Forum and other upcoming events. 15:22: Florian leaves listeners with his key insights and advice. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.fibo.com/ https://www.europeactive.eu/ https://www.europeactive.eu/ehff Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-brauer-a43b96a3/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    19 min

  5. Apr 2

    Cutting Through The AI Hype Cycle In Fitness With Chris Sullivan

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Chris Sullivan, recently CIO of Self Esteem Brands and now Lead Principal Advisor at Brillect. Together, they explore the realities of scaling technology in complex, franchise-driven environments. Drawing on his background in retail and digital innovation, Chris shares insights on navigating growth, overcoming operational challenges, and cutting through the noise of AI hype to uncover real business value. Now advising organizations through Brillect, he delivers strategic insights grounded in experience, research, and proven practices—helping companies drive digital transformation, harness data effectively, enhance operational excellence across domains, embrace AI innovation, and accelerate sustainable growth. The conversation also examines the fitness industry's current level of digital maturity, barriers to adoption, and the evolving role of technology in shaping member experiences, mergers, and future-ready organizations. FIT-C Innovation Outlook Panel: Explore the session details here: https://www.fibo.com/germany/en-gb/show-programme/Programme-Details.4776.260915.en--what's-coming-what's-missing-what's-next-the-fit_c-innovation-outlook.html Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/newsletter One Powerful Quote: 15:08: "This is a situation where you have to paint the train while it's moving." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:00: Bryan opens the discussion by introducing Chris's background and the key lessons from his experience. 7:22: Chris shares common themes and challenges he has encountered while scaling organizations within complex environments. 9:48: Bryan and Chris explore the noise and hype cycle surrounding AI, discussing the gap between theory and real-world business value. 15:02: Chris provides his perspective on the fitness industry's level of digital maturity and the key sources of friction in adoption. 17:13: Bryan asks Chris about the future of technology-enabled organizations and their impact on customers and members. 19:55: Chris discusses the technology requirements for mergers and consolidated organizations. 22:18: Chris outlines the key factors he believes will transform the fitness industry. 24:45: Chris shares his key takeaways and advice for listeners. 27:08: Chris discusses his current work and provides his contact information. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.sebrands.com/ http://www.brillect.com Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissullivan55422/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    29 min

  6. Mar 24

    Gamification That Pays: Inside the Referral + Loyalty Tactics Fueling Growth LIVE From HFA Show 2026

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke presents "Gamification That Pays: Inside the Referral + Loyalty Tactics Fueling Growth," a panel discussion recorded live at the HFA Show in San Diego. Bryan is joined by Heather Malstaff, Director of Sales & Operations at Extraordinary Brands; Martin Johns, Owner and General Manager of Raintree Athletic Club; and Amie Boring, Technical Solutions Consultant at Chuze Fitness. Together, they examine how referral programs, loyalty strategies, and gamified campaigns are being leveraged to shape member behavior and accelerate sustainable growth. Drawing on real-world case studies and industry experience, the panelists share key insights and practical frameworks that can be implemented immediately—whether you are launching your first incentive program or optimizing an existing strategy. One Powerful Quote: 14:43: "Technology is not a surrogate for the personal touch that inspires referrals."  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 5:30: Bryan opens the discussion by asking Heather to outline the key elements of developing effective referral and reward programs. 10:30: Bryan asks Martin to discuss the systems and solutions required to successfully implement and scale referral and incentive initiatives. 15:15: Bryan asks Amy to share her perspective on critical considerations for deploying and integrating technology stacks that support these programs. 18:49: The panel explores the challenges associated with technology adoption and how organizations can effectively navigate implementation barriers. 21:13: The panel addresses the financial dimensions of these strategies, including return on investment and customer acquisition cost considerations. 28:22: Bryan and the panel examine the role of gamification in driving motivation and engagement within referral and rewards programs. 34:50: The panel highlights the importance of digital interactions and personalization in shaping the customer journey and improving attribution. Bullet List of Resources: https://info.perkville.com/ https://raintreeathleticclub.com/ www.extraordinarybrands.com https://chuzefitness.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-johns-b9ab2a24/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdarran/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amie-boring/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    41 min

  7. Mar 12

    Operate Fit: Building Better Systems For Nonprofits With Jim Paro

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Jim Paro, Founder of Operate Fit, to the show. Operate Fit is a platform designed to help community-focused organizations modernize how they manage their operations. By replacing paper forms, scattered spreadsheets, and manual processes with centralized digital workflows, the platform helps facilities save time, reduce operational risk, and maintain compliance. In this conversation, Jim joins Bryan to discuss the operational challenges many facilities face today, why digitizing workflows is becoming essential for safety and compliance, and how better systems can help organizations run more efficiently while focusing on delivering great member experiences. One Powerful Quote: 17:03: "If we hadn't adjusted our course based on feedback and things we learned from our customers, I don't think we would be as successful." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:04: Jim begins the conversation by sharing his professional background and his experience working with YMCA organizations. 5:44: Jim discusses the differences in innovation and technology adoption between commercial, for-profit organizations and nonprofit entities. 7:33: Jim introduces Operate Fit and explains how the platform was developed as a technology solution designed specifically for nonprofit organizations. 9:30: Jim expands on the functionality of Operate Fit, highlighting its practical applications and operational benefits for nonprofits. 13:41: Jim outlines some of the most significant challenges nonprofits face when adopting new technologies. 16:44: Jim concludes by sharing key insights and advice for listeners on leadership, innovation, and technology adoption in mission-driven organizations. Bullet List of Resources: https://operate.fit/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimparo/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    20 min

  8. Mar 10

    Perkville: Driving Loyalty & Retention Innovation With Sunil Saha

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Sunil Saha back to the show. Sunil is the Co-Founder and CEO of Perkville, a customer rewards and referral platform that integrates with e-commerce, point-of-sale, membership, and scheduling systems to deliver a seamless experience that drives engagement, referrals, and long-term loyalty. In this conversation, Sunil joins Bryan to explore member engagement strategies, gamification, system integration, and the evolving role of technology in strengthening customer relationships across the fitness industry. RSVP for FITC Reception: https://fitcmeetupreception.rsvpify.com One Powerful Quote: 20:42: "If you get too removed, then you start to lose insight on what's really important for the business." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:18: Sunil discusses the opportunities and challenges surrounding the practical application of technology within fitness operations. 8:04: Sunil talks about common execution hurdles and the shared barriers enterprises face when implementing new systems. 14:56: Bryan and Sunil discuss the future of the industry, capital allocation, and the evolving ROI of operational transformation. 20:19: Sunil shares key takeaways and strategic advice for operators navigating technology adoption. Bullet List of Resources: https://info.perkville.com/ https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show-schedule Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunilsaha/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

    23 min
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About

Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You'll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brought to you by the Fitness Industry Technology Council, who is mobilizing resources to drive the fitness industry forward, and representing leading companies and organizations to success through collaboration. This show is supported by Vedere Ventures, a boutique investment and advisory firm helping early mature and late stage enterprises succeed in a new era.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan O'Rourke: Fitness Industry Technology Council
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © FIT-C
  • Show Website
    Fitness + Technology